The 2017 Baywatch movie, starring Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, aimed to revive the iconic TV series for a new generation. However, instead of riding a wave of nostalgia and humor, this cinematic reboot unfortunately finds itself stranded in a sea of mediocrity. Positioned as a comedy with action elements, the film’s execution falters on both fronts. The action sequences are poorly staged and lack excitement, while the comedic attempts largely fall flat. It tries to be a modern take on Baywatch, yet it’s neither a respectful adaptation nor a sharp parody. Ultimately, and most damningly, the Baywatch movie, even with the star power of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, just isn’t very enjoyable.
The filmmakers seemed to be aiming for the same comedic gold that propelled 21 Jump Street and its sequel to success. That formula – updating a beloved but potentially cheesy TV show with charismatic leads and a self-aware, satirical script – is undeniably effective when done right. 21 Jump Street cleverly deconstructed its source material while simultaneously delivering a genuinely funny and entertaining movie experience. This is where Baywatch stumbles.
The script, penned by Mark Swift and Damian Shannon, writers known for their horror genre work, simply doesn’t deliver the necessary wit or comedic insight. The movie fixates on the supposed humor of lifeguards acting like police officers, a premise that becomes repetitive and unfunny very quickly. This reliance on a single, weak joke highlights a fundamental misunderstanding of comedic depth and variety. The humor feels forced and lacks the cleverness needed to elevate the film beyond simple slapstick and predictable gags.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, usually a reliable source of charisma and entertainment, seems miscast as Mitch Buchannon, the head lifeguard famously portrayed by David Hasselhoff. While Johnson possesses the physique and screen presence, his performance here feels uninspired. He’s meant to embody the authority figure, but the script gives him little to work with beyond tired jokes and predictable reactions. Zac Efron takes on the role of the cocky, young sidekick, a character clearly inspired by the controversies surrounding swimmer Ryan Lochte. However, where Lochte’s real-life persona often veers into unintentional comedy, Efron’s portrayal in Baywatch struggles to elicit genuine laughs. The intended humor feels manufactured and lacks the organic awkwardness that made Lochte’s public image so meme-worthy.
The supporting cast includes Alexandra Daddario, Kelly Rohrbach, and Ilfenesh Hadera as the trio of attractive female lifeguards. Despite their collective screen time, the script fails to develop them into distinct characters, leaving them with little more than superficial traits. Jon Bass is cast as the obligatory “funny fat guy,” reminiscent of Josh Gad-type roles, but his comedic timing and charm fall short of what the film seems to expect. His character feels like a collection of tired tropes rather than a genuinely humorous addition to the ensemble.
After an opening sequence that attempts to mimic the slow-motion, visually-driven style of the original Baywatch TV show, complete with red swimsuits and beach runs, the movie quickly abandons the beach setting. The plot veers sharply into territory more akin to Miami Vice, with the lifeguards becoming embroiled in a convoluted crime story. They find themselves investigating a villainous resort owner, played by Priyanka Chopra, who is attempting to seize control of the beach through drug trafficking and assassinations. This drastic shift in focus is jarring and undermines the core appeal of Baywatch.
Instead of lifeguarding, the characters spend the majority of the film engaged in undercover operations, murder investigations, and crime-fighting activities, actions that are far removed from their supposed job description. The movie attempts to address this absurdity by repeatedly having characters point out the incongruity of their actions. This self-awareness, however, is not a substitute for actual humor or clever writing. The constant meta-jokes about lifeguards acting like cops become tedious and fail to generate genuine comedic payoff.
The central crime plot is both predictable and unnecessarily complex, burdened by exposition and lacking in suspense. Adding to the film’s woes is the poorly executed action. An early boat rescue scene features laughably bad green screen effects, immediately pulling the viewer out of any sense of immersion. The climactic finale suffers from incoherent staging and the distracting inclusion of fireworks in the background, further diminishing any potential excitement.
Even the attempts at broader comedy misfire. A prolonged sequence that directly mimics the infamous “pork and beans” scene from There’s Something About Mary feels forced and unoriginal. Dwayne Johnson’s character arc largely consists of belittling Efron’s character with repetitive boy band comparisons, a joke that quickly wears thin. The film also relies heavily on outdated gay-panic humor, which feels particularly out of place in a 2017 release. Even the obligatory cameo by David Hasselhoff, a nod to the original series, is telegraphed so far in advance that it loses any potential surprise or impact.
Director Seth Gordon, who previously delivered the acclaimed documentary The King of Kong: A Fistful of Quarters and the first Horrible Bosses movie, seems to have lost his way with Baywatch. This film feels more aligned with his poorly received Melissa McCarthy vehicle Identity Thief from 2013, suggesting a recurring struggle with broader, less nuanced comedic material.
Ultimately, Baywatch squanders a rich opportunity for satire. The original TV show, with its over-the-top drama and focus on physical appearance, is ripe for comedic exploration, particularly when viewed through a modern lens. The film could have examined the dated aspects of the original Baywatch, particularly its objectification and 1990s sensibilities. However, the movie completely misses this chance, instead clinging to the tired and unfunny “cops-as-lifeguards” joke as its comedic centerpiece. This reliance on weak humor and a nonsensical plot leaves Baywatch as a disappointing reboot that fails to capture the nostalgic charm of the original series or deliver a worthwhile comedic experience, even with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson leading the cast.
